American carrier Delta Air Lines’ application to fly a triangular route between Atlanta, Johannesburg, and Cape Town has finally been approved.
Delta will operate three flights a week year-round using a 306-seat Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
The flights are expected to start on 18 November this year.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Tuesday said it welcomes the long-overdue approval of the Delta Air Lines Atlanta-Johannesburg-Cape Town triangular route.
“The approval comes off the back of a long and determined campaign by the Western Cape Provincial Government and the Western Cape Provincial Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism,” said Gillion Bosman, MPP and DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Finance, Economic.
“We also welcome the decision by the Western Cape Department of Finance, Economic Opportunities and Tourism to continue to pursue its intergovernmental dispute as it relates to the processing and approval of all foreign operator permit applications.
“While it seems that common sense has finally prevailed, the delay in reaching a decision on this matter is indicative of the inefficiency of a national government that is more of a hindrance than a help to economic growth.”
Bosman said Tourism has always been a critical part of the Western Cape economy, and any move that can make the province more accessible to international tourists is a big victory for our citizens because tourism equals jobs.
“We remain committed to working with the national government to find solutions to the challenges we face,” David Maynier, WC Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities told Gateway.
